Penetrating aortic atherosclerotic ulcer in the ascending aorta with rupture saccular aneurysm

Case contributed by Luu Hanh
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Chest pain.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years.
Gender: Male

Contrast-filled out-pouching of the thickened aortic wall.

Aortic intramural hematoma (high-attenuation crescent sign). The calcified intima which is atheromatous and irregular is displaced inwardly.

Bilateral pleural effusion (30HU). High-density fluid within the pericardial cavity.

 

On the follow-up study, the ulcer and aneurysm have increased in size. Increased pericardial fluid. 

Case Discussion

Penetrating aortic atherosclerotic ulcer with rupture saccular aneurysm into the pericardial and pleural spaces. Differential diagnosis: aortic dissection (Stanford A) resulting in rupture. 

Pericardiocentesis was performed demonstrating clotted blood. Unfortunately, the patient died 1 hour later. 

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